Importance Score: 82 / 100 🟢
ChatGPT to Remember Past Conversations with New Memory Upgrade
OpenAI is enhancing its artificial intelligence chatbot, ChatGPT, with an upgraded memory capability that allows it to recall previous dialogues without explicit prompting. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced on social media platform X that the chatbot can now “reference all your past conversations.” This advancement, according to Altman, is in line with the company’s objective to develop “AI systems that get to know you over your life.”
Enhanced Memory Functionality
This update expands upon the existing “Memory” feature introduced to ChatGPT last year. That initial feature permitted the retention of limited data such as queries, prompts, and user preferences for use in subsequent interactions. With this long-term memory enhancement, ChatGPT will now retain information through two methods:
- Saved Memories: Information explicitly saved by users for future recall.
- Reference Chat History: Insights gleaned by ChatGPT from prior conversations to refine and improve future interactions, according to OpenAI.
Geographical Availability and Subscription Rollout
The memory upgrade will be implemented globally, with the exception of the European Union, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. This exclusion is likely due to stringent artificial intelligence regulations in these regions, which Altman has previously voiced concerns about. The rollout is currently underway for subscribers to ChatGPT’s premium $200 monthly Pro plan. Altman indicated availability “soon” for $20 Plus subscribers. OpenAI further stated that Team, Enterprise, and Edu users will gain access “in a few weeks,” but a timeline for free users remains unannounced.
User Privacy and Control Options
The memory feature remains optional for ChatGPT users. Individuals who prefer that the chatbot not retain conversation history can disable saved memories within the ChatGPT personalization settings. Alternatively, the temporary chat function can be utilized for inquiries that should not be stored or influence memory. This memory upgrade follows a similar enhancement implemented by Google for its Gemini AI in February, which also enabled the AI to recall older conversations to deliver more tailored and pertinent responses.